Airport to remain open despite strike action

Campbeltown Airport will remain open as normal from February 21-23 despite strike action across several Highlands and Islands airports.

 

Unite the union, which represents members in the Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) group, announced on Monday that strike action would hit all 11 HIAL airports, including Campbeltown, after the workforce rejected a five per cent pay increase offer, which they deemed unacceptable amid soaring inflation.

 

But, in an announcement on Tuesday, HIAL revealed that while Barra, Benbecula, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Tiree airports will be closed for flights on Tuesday February 21, Wednesday February 22 and Thursday February 23, the following will operate normally: Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay and Wick John O’Groats.

 

Dundee Airport will, however, be closed for flights on Friday February 17 and Monday February 20.

 

“Inflation is at a generational high, yet the HIAL group believes a substantial real terms pay cut is what our hard working members deserve,” said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary. “This is completely unacceptable.”

 

HIAL, a private limited company wholly-owned by the Scottish Government, claims it is bound by funding obligations set by the Scottish Government.

 

Unite has previously called on the Scottish Government to meet with the trade union, the workers and HIAL to improve pay, terms and conditions in the Highlands and Islands.

 

To date, the Scottish Government has not directly met with Unite to discuss pay, recruitment and retention of workers across the HIAL group.

 

“Unite is once again calling on the Scottish Government to meet with us, the workers and HIAL management to fund an improved pay offer, and to deliver more investment in these communities,” said Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer.

 

“If they do not, then Unite’s strike action will be down to their inflexibility despite the Scottish Government showing flexibility in abundance in other areas of the public sector.”

 

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director, said: “We apologise in advance for the disruption this action by Unite colleagues will cause for our airlines and passengers.

 

“I would urge anyone intending to travel on these dates to contact their airline.

 

“The enhanced offer we presented maximised the flexibility within the Scottish Government’s pay policy.

 

"However, we remain in dialogue with Transport Scotland the trade unions in an attempt to resolve the matter.”